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When to plant Corn in Davis, CA

For Corn in Davis, the safe spring window opens around February 16 and closes around March 9. Last expected frost is February 9, first fall frost December 3, giving a 298-day growing season.

When to Plant Corn in Davis, CA

Corn

Corn is a warm-season grass grown for its sweet ears, which are best eaten soon after harvest. It is wind-pollinated and must be planted in blocks for good kernel fill.

Davis, California is in USDA Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is February 9 and the first fall frost is December 3, giving you a growing season of approximately 297 days.

At an elevation of 163 feet, Yolo County receives approximately 27.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 95°F, so Corn may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat.

Davis, CA (Zone 9b) Year-round
297 days
Last Spring Frost February 9
297 growing days
First Fall Frost December 3

Davis Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.7-7.8

Drainage

Well Drained

How Much Corn to Grow

1-2 ears
Average yield per plant
15
Plants per person
30 sq ft
Space per person

For a family of 4, plant approximately 60 corn plants in about 120 sq ft. In Yolo County's 297-day season, you'll have plenty of time for a full harvest. Plan your garden layout →

Monthly Watering Guide for Corn

Corn needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.

Month Corn Needs Rainfall You Supplement Action
Jan 6" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 4.3" 5.4" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Mar 4.3" 4" 0.3" 💧 Light watering
Apr 4.3" 2.3" 2" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 0.8" 3.5" 🚿 Regular watering
Jun 4.3" 0.1" 4.2" 🚿 Regular watering
Jul 4.3" 0" 4.3" 🚿 Regular watering
Aug 4.3" 0" 4.3" 🚿 Regular watering
Sep 4.3" 0.3" 4" 🚿 Regular watering
Oct 4.3" 1.1" 3.2" 🚿 Regular watering
Nov 4.3" 2.6" 1.7" 💧 Light watering
Dec 4.3" 5.1" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient

Water needs are for active growing months only (Feb–Dec in Yolo County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Corn Planting Timeline — Davis, CA

Corn Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Direct Sow February 16 Feb 16 – Mar 9
Harvest April 20 Apr 20 – Jun 15

Plant 1" deep · 12" apart · Rows 36" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February Direct Sow
March Direct Sow
April Harvest
May Harvest
June Harvest
July
August
September
October
November
December

Growing Conditions

☀️ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

💧 Water

Moderate — regular watering

📅 Days to Maturity

60–100 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6–7 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 9b

📆 Growing Season

297 days in Yolo County

Growing Tips for Davis

Plant in blocks of at least 4 rows rather than single rows for proper pollination. Direct sow after soil reaches 60F. Side-dress with nitrogen when plants are knee-high.

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Avoid Planting Near

  • Tomatoes
  • Celery

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

When should I plant Corn in Davis, CA?

In Davis, CA, plant Corn after the last frost (around February 9) and before the first frost (around December 3). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Davis, CA for Corn?

Davis sits in USDA Zone 9b. Corn grows reliably in zones 3a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Corn grow in Davis's climate?

Yes — Corn grows well in Davis's temperate climate. Davis averages a 298-day frost-free season, with last frost around February 9 and first frost around December 3.

🌱

Your Yolo County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Yolo County (Zone 9b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.

Instant PDF download. No spam, unsubscribe any time.

Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Yolo County, CA. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: July 2026.